Golf is Good for Your Heart

When was the last time your spouse nagged you to play golf “for your own good”? If you’re one of the lucky guys whose wife knows that golf is good cardiovascular exercise, then it’s likely there are no objections when you hit the links. If you’re one of the unlucky guys whose wife merely gives you another bowl of oatmeal and 30 minutes on the treadmill, then it’s time to show her this blog!

It’s true, and Harvard scientist proved it, that golf is good for your heart!

“Walking an average course for a round of golf can be as much as four miles. If you walk 18 holes three to five times a week, you’ll get an optimal amount of endurance exercise for your heart. If you pull your clubs or carry them, you’ll burn more calories per round, and benefit even more.”

So the key is walking the course with your clubs – ditch the golf cart and caddy! Also, you must play frequently. Just as you must exercise three days a week or more the same is true for golf. Do you really need any other reasons to play? Well here are a few more health benefits from playing golf:

• Vitamin D – although we are advocates of sunscreen as a cancer prevention tool (and wrinkles, too), we do know that vitamin D is critical for healthy bones. Catch some rays on the golf course and give your body the sun it needs to produce vitamin D.
• Weight bearing exercise – yet again to help us keep and strengthen our skeletal structure, golf is a great exercise to prevent bone degeneration and to increase lean muscle mass.
• Better sleep – if you suffer from restlessness or insomnia then it’s time to get some exercise. Playing golf two to three times each week will not only tire you out physically so that you’ll sleep better but also help clear your mind of noise. When you’re focusing on your swing or on a putt, you won’t be worrying about your boss at work.
• More friends – golf is inherently a social game and researchers have long known that people with an active social life are also healthier. Sure, golf can be a good tool for closing business deals but it’s also important for building friendships. Very few guys will turn down an invitation to play golf so go ahead and ask. You’ll all be happier and healthier for playing a round or two (or three!).

So when your wife or significant other asks you what you want for a gift this holiday season, simply respond that you’re really working on being a healthier you so therefore you need a golf vacation. Can you really be criticized for caring about your health? Golf is a win-win for you – play your favorite game and take care of your heart! Now if you need some golf vacation tips, you know we’re here for you!